Physical Therapy and Exercise Mat

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides an exercise mat including a top surface and bottom surface, wherein a plurality of markings exist on the top surface. As used herein, an exercise mat is a substantially flat cushion-like structure which can be used in conjunction with exercises. The exercise mat may be used for exercise or recreational activities such as physical therapy, pilates, yoga, or any other activity where physical placement of the user&#39;s body on the exercise mat may be important for the performance of the exercise, evaluation of physical progress, and/or for the avoidance of injuries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to an exercise and physical therapy mat. More specifically, the present invention relates to an exercise and physical therapy mat that allows the user to visualize distance using shapes, colors and markings.

Exercise and physical therapy are equal parts physical and mental challenges. The physical challenges are more than just going through the motions of exercise or therapy movement. Participants must position themselves correctly and make sure their effort meets the requirement for improvement. This requires accuracy in measuring distances.

The mental challenges of exercise and therapy become an issue when participants struggle to realize their improvement. Extended exercise and therapy without discernable improvement can be discouraging. Also, the visualization of improvement may be helpful to motivate participants to achieve their physical goals.

Despite the physical and mental demands of exercise and physical therapy, these activities most often take place in settings that lack visual reference points. For example, some exercises may take place on solid-color exercise mat with no markings to show length or width. Without any markings participants may under- or over-extend themselves. Further, without markings, participants are not able to see improvement.

The lack of visual reference points is also a problem for correct positioning. Certain exercises require specific placement of the body in order to properly engage the muscles. Without visual reference points, participants may be performing exercises incorrectly, which may lead to injury.

However, it may be difficult to retrofit exercise and physical therapy centers for visual reference points because of the mobile nature of exercise and vast array of different exercises. A ruler on one portion of the floor or wall would not accommodate all the areas where exercises take place. Further, more complete coverage in the form of an area-size ruler or segmented spaces could disrupt the design and utility of an exercise space.

Accordingly, there is a need for a portable exercise mat with visual reference points, as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a portable exercise mat with visual markings as distance and position reference points.

The disclosure provides an exercise mat comprising: a top surface opposite a back surface; and a plurality of markings on the top surface of the exercise mat, wherein the plurality of markings include an outer ellipse, wherein a center of the ellipse is the center of the mat, wherein the outer ellipse includes at least one inner ellipse, wherein each co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the inner ellipse is aligned with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse, wherein the distance of the semi-major axis of the inner ellipse is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of the outer ellipse.

In an embodiment, the disclosure provides an exercise mat comprising: a top surface opposite a back surface; and a plurality of markings on the top surface of the exercise mat, wherein the plurality of markings includes a plurality of concentric shapes, wherein the concentric shapes are equally spaced from each other, wherein the plurality of concentric shapes includes an outer most shape, wherein the width of the outer most shape is equal with the width of the exercise mat.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution to distance and placement visualization in exercise and physical therapy.

Another object of the invention is to provide a way for users to see their progress in exercise and physical therapy.

An advantage of the invention is that it includes different colors to easily indicate distance or placement.

Another advantage of the invention is that it is easy to move from place to place (i.e., the exercise mat is mobile).

A further advantage of the invention is that it includes multiple ways of measuring distance, including markings, such as various shapes of pre-determined size, and/or a grid.

Yet another advantage of the invention is that it may be placed on the floor or wall, removably or permanently.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary illustration of the exercise mat including a plurality of markings.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of the exercise mat with multicolored area between and including the plurality of markings.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an ellipse.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary illustration of the exercise mat illustrating a plurality of markings including concentric circles.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary illustration of the exercise mat illustrating a plurality of markings including ellipses.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure provides an exercise mat including a top surface and bottom surface, wherein a plurality of markings exist on the top surface. As used herein, an exercise mat is a substantially flat cushion-like structure which can be used in conjunction with exercises. The exercise mat may be used for exercise or recreational activities such as physical therapy, pilates, yoga, or any other activity where physical placement of the user's body on the exercise mat may be important for the performance of the exercise, evaluation of physical progress, and/or for the avoidance of injuries. The exercise mat may be constructed of any well-known material. In an example, the exercise mat is made of rubber-like, soft, water-resistant, resilient and flexible material. In an example, the widest point of the exercise mat can generally be between 2.5 and 4 feet wide. The thickness of the exercise mat is any suitable thickness. This allows some or all of the user's shoulders and arms to remain on the exercise mat, rather than the floor when laying on the exercise mat. In an example, the exercise mat can generally be between 6 and 9 feet long. For example, the thickness of the exercise mat can be between, and including, 1 cm to 10 cm.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the exercise mat 10 is typically rectangular, wherein the exercise mat includes a horizontal axis and a vertical axis that may be used to describe various spatial arrangements for purposes of illustrating examples described herein. The vertical axis is oriented down length of the center of the exercise mat and the horizontal axis is oriented across the width of the center of the exercise mat. The intersection of the horizontal axis and verticle axis is the center 12 of the exercise mat. The horizontal axis and vertical axis may be included in the plurality of markings on the top surface of the exercise mat.

The plurality of markings 14 can include a plurality of shapes, including different shapes. For example, the plurality of markings can include a plurality of shapes, such as circles, ovals, oblong shapes, ellipses, squares, rectangles, among others. The plurality of markings can be concentric shapes, wherein the distance between each of the concentric shapes can be the same or different. In an example, the distance between each of the concentric shapes incrementally increases or decreases towards the center of the exercise mat.

In an example, the plurality of markings 14 can include a plurality of ellipses 15. For example, the plurality of markings include an outer ellipse 16, wherein a center of the ellipse is the center 12 of the mat, wherein the outer ellipse 16 includes at least one inner ellipse 18. The at least one inner ellipse 18 may be concentric with the outer ellipse 16. For example, the plurality of markings 14 may include a plurality of concentric ellipses.

FIG. 3 illustrates an ellipse 16, 18 including a semi-major axis 30 and a semi-minor axis 32. The ellipse 18, 19 includes semi-major axis co-vortex 34 of the semi-major axis and the ellipse includes semi-minor co-vortex 36 of the semi-minor axis.

In an example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, each co-vertex 20 of the semi-minor axis of the inner ellipse 18 is aligned with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse 16. In an example, each co-vertex 20 of the semi-minor axis of the inner ellipse 18 is equivalent with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse 16.

In an example, the distance of the semi-major axis of the inner ellipse 18 is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of the outer ellipse 16. Further, the plurality of markings 14 can include a plurality of inner ellipses 18, wherein the distance of the semi-major axis of each inner ellipse is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of each consecutive inner ellipse.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the co-vertex of the major axis of the outer ellipse is flush with a top edge and a bottom edge of the exercise mat. Similarly, both of the co-vertex of the minor axis of the outer ellipse may be flush with the respective side edges of the exercise mat.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, inside the most inner ellipse 18, the plurality of markings includes a plurality of concentric circles 22. In other words, a plurality of ellipses 15 surround a plurality of concentric circles 22. However, it should be understood, the most inner ellipse 18 can include any shape of concentric shapes, such as ellipses, squares, triangles, among others. The concentric shapes can be equally spaced from each other or different distances from each other.

The plurality of markings can be different colors. In an example, the different colors can be a variety of black and gray markings to aid colorblind users from distinguishing the different areas. In an example, the area between each plurality of markings is a different color, as shown in FIG. 2, and/or contains a different visual pattern. By providing a multicolored mat with specified space intervals between colors and shapes, the mat allows users to easily visualize and identify the desired point of placement or movement. In addition, the exercise mat can include a number (e.g., 1-15) associated with each area between the plurality of markings.

The mat may also include markings along the side to reinforce the distances between the color and shape intervals and provide another point of reference. A grid 40 may additionally cover the area of the mat to provide yet another point of reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the mat has a rectangular shape and includes an oblong center shape with multi-colored rings within it. The colors may be varied enough so there is no or little duplication, allowing trainers to simply call out a color, number, or location to indicate placement. Each ring may also include more than one color according to the placement of the portion of the ring, allowing users to identify symmetrical areas within the rings.

In an example, the mat is rectangular with a width of three feet and a length of five feet. The plurality of markings can include an oblong shape that may include a center circle with an eight-inch diameter. In an example, the rings surrounding the center circle are also circular and have a width of two inches, resulting in a series of nested circles where each circle has a diameter four inches wider than the circle that precedes it. In an example, the circular rings will be surrounded by a series of oval rings, where the sides of the ovals are flush with the edge of the widest circular ring and the ends of the ovals extend beyond the widest circular ring at four-inch intervals. In an example, the center shape includes one center circle, seven circular rings and three oval rings.

In yet another example, the mat is square wherein the plurality of markings includes a plurality of concentric circles. The area between the circles can include different colors, numbers, or other visual patterns. For example, the mat can be a 3 feet by 3 feet square, 4 feet by 4 feet square, 5 feet by 5 feet square, or any other suitable size. In an example, the mat is circular wherein the plurality of markings includes a plurality of concentric circles. The area between the circles can include different colors, numbers, or other visual patterns. For example, the mat can have a radius of 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, or any other suitable size.

The plurality of markings can include a grid 40. The grid 40 may appear along two sides of the mat at varied intervals, such as every two inches or every one inch. Alternatively, or in addition to, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the grid may be drawn over the entire mat space and include boxes of varying size. The grid boxes can one square foot, ½ square feet, ⅓ square feet, among others.

In addition, the exercise mat can include various surfaces. In an example, the surfaces can include a smooth, level surface, or a non-uniform texture, e.g., plurality of raised features, such as raised small dome surfaces, raised cubic surfaces, or raised asymetric shapes. The plurality of raised structures can be used as podiatric therapy. In an example, the surface between each plurality of markings can be the same or different.

The exercise mat 10 may include an adhesive backing so that users may easily secure it to floors or walls and later remove it for placement elsewhere. The exercise mat 10 may also be made of a flexible material, allowing users to roll it up for efficient transport and storage.

Although the description herein is primarily directed to exercise and physical therapy applications, the mat may be useful in a variety of movement and training contexts where accuracy in distance and placement is important, such as dance, golf, or agility work. The reference points used on the mat may also allow for easy-to-follow at-home workout regimens following a video instruction format.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the systems and methods may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein. 

We claim:
 1. An exercise mat comprising: a top surface opposite a back surface; and a plurality of markings on the top surface of the exercise mat, wherein the plurality of markings include an outer ellipse, wherein a center of the ellipse is the center of the mat, wherein the outer ellipse includes at least one inner ellipse, wherein each co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the inner ellipse is aligned with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse, wherein the distance of the semi-major axis of the inner ellipse is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of the outer ellipse.
 2. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the plurality of markings include a plurality of inner ellipses, wherein each co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the plurality of inner ellipses are aligned with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse, wherein the distance of the semi-major axis of each inner ellipse is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of each consecutive inner ellipse.
 3. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein inside the most inner ellipse, the plurality of markings includes a plurality of concentric circles, wherein the concentric circles are equally spaced from each other.
 4. The exercise mat of claim 3 wherein a most inner concentric circle has a diameter between 7 to 9 inches.
 5. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of markings is a different color.
 6. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the area between each of the plurality of markings is a different color.
 7. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the co-vertex of the major axis of the outer ellipse is flush with a top edge and a bottom edge of the exercise mat.
 8. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the co-vertex of the minor axis of the outer ellipse is flush with respective side edges of the exercise mat.
 9. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the plurality of markings include equally spaced grid markings along an edge of the exercise mat.
 10. The exercise mat of claim 1 wherein the exercise mat includes an adhesive backing on the back surface to secure the exercise mat to an object.
 11. The exercise mat of claim 10 wherein the object is a floor.
 12. The exercise mat of claim 10 wherein the object is a wall.
 13. An exercise mat comprising: a top surface opposite a back surface; and a plurality of markings on the top surface of the exercise mat, wherein the plurality of markings includes a plurality of concentric shapes, wherein the concentric shapes are equally spaced from each other, wherein the plurality of concentric shapes includes an outer most shape, wherein the width of the outer most shape is equal with the width of the exercise mat.
 14. The exercise mat of claim 13 wherein the center of each of the concentric shapes is aligned with the center of the width of the exercise mat.
 15. The exercise mat of claim 13 wherein the concentric shapes are circles.
 16. The exercise mat of claim 15 wherein the plurality of markings include an outer ellipse surrounding the concentric circles, wherein a center of the outer ellipse is the center of the mat, wherein the outer ellipse surrounds at least one inner ellipse, wherein each inner ellipse surrounds the concentric circles.
 17. The exercise mat of claim 16 wherein each co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the inner ellipse is aligned with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse, wherein the distance of the semi-major axis of the inner ellipse is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of the outer ellipse.
 18. The exercise mat of claim 16 wherein the plurality of markings include a plurality of inner ellipses, wherein each co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the plurality of inner ellipses are aligned with the co-vertex of the semi-minor axis of the outer ellipse, wherein the distance of the semi-major axis of each inner ellipse is less than the distance of the semi-major axis of each consecutive inner ellipse.
 19. The exercise mat of claim 13 wherein each of the plurality of markings is a different color.
 20. The exercise mat of claim 13 wherein the area between each of the plurality of markings is a different color. 